BOSTON— The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (Mass-ALA) has been named 2025 Organization of the Year by the Boston Real Estate Times, in recognition of its outstanding leadership, tireless advocacy, and enduring commitment to improving the lives of older adults across the Commonwealth.
The award will be presented to Mass-ALA CEO Brian Doherty at the Excellence Awards Gala on September 11, 2025, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel. The event will honor leading real estate companies and individuals who are shaping the future of real estate, community development, and architecture across Massachusetts.
A Powerful Voice for Assisted Living
Representing nearly 90% of the professionally operated assisted living residences in Massachusetts, Mass-ALA has become a powerful and trusted voice for a sector that supports thousands of older adults. Through its core pillars—advocacy, education, and operational support—the not-for-profit organization ensures that assisted living remains a safe, sustainable, and empowering option for individuals with a wide range of needs and income levels.
At the helm is Brian Doherty, a seasoned association executive whose blend of policy acumen, housing and healthcare experience, and personal passion for aging services has helped elevate Mass-ALA to new heights. Since assuming leadership in 2018, Doherty has guided the organization through some of its most challenging moments—including the COVID-19 pandemic—while building a long-term vision centered on quality, dignity, and access.
“Assisted living represents a nexus where housing, health, and policy intersect,” Doherty said. “At Mass-ALA, we strive to translate policy into impactful services that allow older adults to thrive with independence and dignity.”
Advocacy Rooted in Purpose
Mass-ALA is known not just for responding to challenges—but for proactively shaping the future of assisted living. From lobbying for inclusive regulatory frameworks to advocating for…